Importance of cultural relativism in anthropology Essay

Importance of cultural relativism in anthropology - Essay Example Anthropology is a field of study that entails research on human being’s behavior. Culture main determine individual’s conduct. Therefore, studying human behavior cannot be comprehensive without factoring in the cultural aspect. Many other disciplines on study of human behavior have however failed to fully consider culture as primary factor determining human behavior. Scientist researchers assumed that human behavior is majorly linked to biological factors and not culture. Early in 19th century, it was realized that none of the cultures was better than another. It was now believed that cultures are just different with none being superior to another. It was then, that anthropology discipline embraced cultural relativism as a key tool. Relativism argument contributed greatly to anthropology growth. It has contributed essentially in history of anthropology. Anthropologists employ cultural relativism argument that acknowledges existence of distinctive cultural values by different groups of people. In anthropology, no condemnation should be made based on the cultural differences. Cultural relativism does not allow any form of condemnation regarding immoral tendencies (Sikka 43-93). A cultural relativity does not respond enough to ethical issues that need to be addressed. In reality, some of ethical practices like torture cannot be tolerated. Therefore, anthropologists should not just allow such malpractices be carried on and not respond accordingly. Today, there are critics about suitability of relativism application in anthropology. However, anthropologists still hold strongly to the fact that in reality, culture influences human behavior. Anthropology pays much attention to the interpretation of data than it is with scientific disciplines that focus mainly on giving explanations. There have been divisions in the whole anthropology field based on different opinions about the place of culture in human behavior. Some endorse scientific procedures to be used in research to provide an explanation in human behavior. In their argument, they assume that evolution contributes to human behavior. On the other hand, other anthropologists hold that culture plays a major role in shaping people’s behavior. They still value relativism in human behavior study. Most anthropologists are reluctant in protecting rights of human beings. Anthropologists should not use relativism of culture as an excuse for not protecting the rights of people. They should be in forefront in ensuring cultural practices that violate other people’s rights are banned. Cultural practices should be broken when protecting people’s rights. Relativism contributed enormously in the discipline of social science. However, there have been numerous critics disapproving the essence of relativism in social sciences. Many people including anthropologists take this argument to be not relativistic. Cultural relativism objects theories that do not provide appropriate framework that provides analyses for data from different cultures. Relativism theory upholds that in examining human thoughts and action, the process should be relativistic not particularistic. Particularistic approach only embrace single framework in analyzing set of data. In studying human behavior, this method should be discarded in

California Health and Human Services Agency Essay

California Health and Human Services Agency - Essay Example Another criterion is to examine the currency of information on the site by looking for updated details on documents and links. Lastly, the coverage of the site shows that the objective of the site is clearly to be used as information updates only, and in no way presents any biasness towards any agencies or boards. Since the inception of the internet, many human services agencies have developed official websites to promote and create awareness for their organizations. One such agency is the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS). This paper will examine and analyze the value and relevance of this website to its target audiences using the criteria set out by the Wolfgram Memorial Library (WML) from Widener University. According to WML, there are five crucial criterions that can be used to determine the efficacy of the information on the site, and they include authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage. (WML, 2009) The homepage for the CHHS website contains a welcome message by the Secretary, Kim Belshe, in addition to the vision of the agency, which informs "all Californians, especially those most at risk or in need (that they) have the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life as measured by the sound physical, mental, and financial health of children, adolescents, and adults; strong and well-functioning families; safe and sustainable communities; and dignity for all." (CHHS, 2009) It is clear that CHHS is responsible for the contents of the page because the agency logo is visibly presented. To mark its affiliation with the State of California, there is a copyright mark and a link to the official website on every page. There is also a link to the website for the Governor of California. (CHHS, 2009) While the vision of the agency is stated, the agency goal is not quite as transparent. The closest form of explanation is perhaps under the link "About Us" which spells out the "responsibility f or administering major programs," (CHHS, 2009) and includes the contact information like the agency address and telephone number, which verifies the legitimacy of the agency. However, it is worth noting that an email contact is not provided for enquiries. This may be an indication that the site is meant more as a source of information rather than a site that promotes dialogue. The legitimacy of the website is well established with links to independent websites for all twelve departments and one board. However, at the time of writing this analysis, there was an error linking to the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (CHHS, 2009), which indicates a lack of quality control. Without an email contact available, the audience is then forced to either call the agency, or make the extra effort to look for this site online. If CHHS were meant to be only as a source of information, the agency's objective as an official site that "administers state and federal programs for health care, social services, public assistance, and rehabilitation," is clear. (CHHS, 2009) All links are directed to independent department sites that provide a more comprehensive presentation of each program's agenda. For example, the link to the Department of Community Services and Development details this department's programs and resources. (CSD, 2009) Any document or links in the website that highlight specific programs are also presented according to the most recently published so